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Ron Lake has been called “the father of the modern folding knife” and
literally co-authored the book on them in 1988, How To Make Folding
Knives. But while Ron is busy making stunning custom folders in his
Eugene, Oregon, workshop, he is always thinking. In this case, we
believe he has perfected the lockback folder.
Ron’s breakthrough is his patented* Lock Back Safety (L.B.S.™) which
allows the user to slide the small L.B.S. button forward to lock the
blade both in the open and closed positions. When locked open, it is
virtually impossible to accidentally release the blade even during
vigorous cutting tasks. For those who are concerned about accidental
opening, in-pocket or on-belt, simply slide the button forward to lock
the knife closed until its next use.
The blade is a classic drop point with a flat grind for strength and a
brushed finish. Blade steel is premium 8Cr14MoV stainless steel (equivalent
to AUS 8). Dual Lake-style thumb studs give fast either-hand opening,
and the lockback release allows easy one-hand closing.
The lockback design allows for a very flat build. The combination of
traditional brass liners and lightweight aluminum scales results in a
very rigid frame. For grip, the black anodized handle features a
basketweave texture and a pronounced finger choil and pommel.
We’re producing the Lake 111 Aluminum in two sizes. The larger models
7255 and 7256 have 3.125” blades and measure 7.25” overall when opened.
The smaller models 7253 and 7254 feature 2.50” blades and are 6.00” long
when opened. Both sizes are available with Razor-Sharp or Combined
Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated edges. These models come with a
custom stainless steel clip in a brushed finish.
For those truly grimy tasks, we’re also offering a Lake 111 Zytel® model,
with stainless steel liners, almost indestructible black Zytel scales
and a Razor-Sharp cutting edge. Blade steel is the same as the aluminum
models. A bonus denim carry sheath with belt loop is included.
Over the years, others have tried to devise safeties for lockback
folders, but Ron’s is the most effective and sophisticated we have seen.
He really has something to crow about.
Specifications
Blade: Length: 3.125” (7.9 cm)
Thickness: 0.11” (0.29 cm)
Steel: 8Cr14MoV, 58-59 HRC
Closed: Handle length: 4.125” (10.5 cm)
Open: Overall length: 7.25” (18.4 cm)
Weight: 3.1 oz. (88 g)
About the Knife Designer
Ron Lake is a custom knifemaker in Eugene, Oregon. He joined the
Knifemakers’ Guild in 1971, and has been a full time knifemaker since
1972. He has received numerous awards, has been featured in national
knife, shooting and general interest magazines, and has conducted
folding knife seminars around the world. He co-authored the book How To
Make Folding Knives in 1988. He was elected to the Cutlery Hall of Fame
in 1998, and was labeled by sportswriter B.R. Hughes as the “Father of
the Modern Day Folding Knife.” He is a partner with Michael Walker in
Lake & Walker Bullfrog® Knives, developer of the patented knife blade
lock safety known as LAWKS®, and also invented the L.B.S.™ lock back
safety system. Knives made by Ron are included in the collections of the
Smithsonian Institution, the National Metal Museum, the National Knife
Museum and the Randall Knife Museum. He has also designed many knives
for CRKT. |
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